About UN University (UNU)

The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the United Nations System. UNU engages in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations. The work of UNU contributes to solving pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.

For the past five decades, UNU has been a source of impartial research on sustainability, human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers working at institutes in 12 countries, UNU’s expertise spans the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu

About UN University World Institute for Development Economics (UNU-WIDER)

UNU-WIDER, located in Helsinki, Finland, is a leading international development economics think tank. The Institute provides economic analysis and policy advice with the aim of promoting sustainable and equitable development for all. The Institute began operations in 1985 in Helsinki, Finland, as the first research centre of the United Nations University. Today, it is a unique blend of think tank, research institute, and UN agency — providing a range of services from policy advice to governments, as well as freely available original research. More information on UNU-WIDER and its current work programme are available at www.wider.unu.edu.

Responsibilities

The Director reports to the Rector of the United Nations University and has overall responsibility for the organization and management of UNU-WIDER and its programmes. The preferred candidate’s profile should lend to UNU-WIDER the necessary stature in the international scholarly community, ensure scientific excellence through internal quality control and provide leadership and guidance for UNU-WIDER activities.

The Director develops and manages national and international partnerships and negotiations, overseas the finance, operations, and management of UNU-WIDER and implements the strategy within the broader context of the UNU strategic objectives.

UNU is looking for a dynamic individual with a strong academic and management background who can recruit, lead and manage a diverse team of experts; build and strengthen partnerships with think tanks, universities, the private sector, and other parts of the UN system; and produce world-class, policy-relevant analyses, convene critical dialogues and support capacity strengthening, particularly in the Global South.

Leadership and strategic management

• Serve as the Chief Academic and Administrative officer of the institute with overall responsibility for the direction, organisation, administration, and programming of UNU-WIDER, in accordance with the policies and criteria formulated by the UNU Council, the Rector, and the Institute’s Advisory Board;
• Manage, hire and supervise personnel, promoting diversity, inclusion, and gender equality;
• Manage the Institute’s budget, including reporting requirements to donors and within the UNU system; and
• Lead relations with the host country (Finland), donors, and other key stakeholders.

Resource mobilisation

• Strengthen the Institute’s resource mobilisation strategy to secure funding;
• Manage donor relations and networks, including resource mobilisation activities for the Institute’s research programmes; and
• Coach researchers in preparing successful proposals and in engaging with research partners and donors.

Research programme implementation and oversight

• Lead a policy and impact-driven programme of substantive research, capacity-building, and knowledge translation in development economics;
• Oversee the implementation of research programmes; and
• Ensure that research outputs are high quality and policy-relevant and that recommendations are channelled effectively to the UN system, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

Represent UNU-WIDER and establish strategic partnerships

• Establish and maintain relationships with the UN system, the host and other governments, local, regional, national and international partners, donors, and other stakeholders to achieve collaboration on programme development, implementation, and resource mobilisation;
• Strengthen and expand scientific partnerships and networks with relevant institutions, including major UN stakeholders, think tanks, research organisations, and academic networks internal and external to UNU; and
• Draw on UNU’s convening power and represent UNU-WIDER in local and global fora to raise the Institute’s visibility, presence, and impact.

Knowledge sharing and collaboration

• Facilitate the dissemination and translation of the Institute’s knowledge products to key stakeholders and the public;
• Co-ordinate UNU-WIDER’s work programme with other UN and UNU activities and institutions in different parts of the world, particularly in the Global South;
• Support the Rector and the UNU system, including participation in the Conference of Directors of UNU institutes and system-wide initiatives; and
• Perform other duties in support of the Institute and UNU system, as requested by the Rector

Key performance indicators

• UNU-WIDER is seen as a reliable and trustworthy partner by donors, governments, research partners, civil society, and the UN System.
• The Institute records increased and sustainable donor support from diversified funding sourses and nurtures excellent donor relationships.
• UNU-WIDER implements a high-quality programme, including delivering research outputs, capacity-building activities, and events.
• A high level of academic excellence is guaranteed in all the Institute’s activities through internal quality control and guidance for academic activities.
• The Institute is managed effectively and efficiently according to the policies and criteria formulated by the UNU Council, the Rector, and the Institute’s Advisory Board.

Competencies

Values:

• Inclusion — take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity
• Integrity — act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards
• Humility — demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others
• Humanity — act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet

Behaviours:

• Connect and collaborate — build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
• Analyse and plan — seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
• Deliver results with positive impact — hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
• Learn and develop — pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
• Adapt and innovate — demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways

1) Education and certification

• A doctoral qualification in Economics or a related discipline.

2) Required skills and experience

• At least fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in Economics or a related discipline, of which at least five years in a managerial role, with demonstrable leadership and management;
• The capacity to formulate and articulate a shared vision for the institution, to persuade a wide range of audiences of its value, and to engage others in its implementation;
• An established track record of effective, strong, and collaborative leadership in development economics or in economics with strong social or developmental influence;
• A strong background of research and publications on policy-relevant issues in Economics or a relevant field;
• A track record of developing policy-relevant research initiatives which can contribute to policymaking at the local, regional, national and international levels; and of engagement with policymakers and/or policy processes;
• A distinguished record of effective management and leadership;
• Demonstrated experience in sound financial and human resource management;
• Strong fundraising skills and demonstrable success in securing support from multiple funders
• The ability to articulate a compelling funding strategy for future work programmes in a funding environment undergoing rapid change;
• The ability to interact with colleagues of diverse cultural backgrounds and with political representatives and communities in both developed and developing countries;
• Proven commitment to issues of human development;
• Demonstrated understanding of gender issues and commitment to the UN principles and ideals;
• Knowledge of the UN system notably in the field development economics is a strong asset

3) Language Requirements

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills in English; knowledge of Finnish or another official UN language is an asset.

Applications from suitably qualified women candidates are particularly encouraged.

Remuneration

UNU offers an attractive, tax exempt compensation package including an annual net salary (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), 30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, pension plan and health insurance scheme. For more information please see: https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=SAL

Duration of contract

This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment. The initial appointment will be for two years with the possibility of renewal on a fixed-term basis, subject to satisfactory work performance. For UNU Institute Director positions, the combined duration of fixed-term appointments with UNU may not exceed eight (8) years. The mandatory age of retirement for United Nations staff is 65 years.

Starting Date

March/April 2026

How to Apply

To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:

• Apply via the apply link;
• fill out the UNU P11 Form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
• provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form); and
• answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.

You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.

Application Deadline

15 April 2025

Submissions must be received by mid-night Eastern European time zone (EET) on the deadline; late entries will not be accepted.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks and references.

Special notice

Staff members of the United Nations University are international civil servants subject to the Rector’s authority. They may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations University. The Rector reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below that advertised.

UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply and become part of the organisation. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. Eligible internal applicants are also encouraged to apply.

UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.

If you have supervisory function, you need to have awareness on gender related issues.

Information about UNU rosters

UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU.

Scam warning

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